Prevalence of vision impairment, diabetic retinopathy and disability in adults 50+ in the occupied Palestinian territories

The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology is a population-based survey of vision impairment among the population 50 and above, with optional modules on diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and disability. The first Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness study in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) was conducted in 2008. Prevalence of blindness (50+) was 3.4%. 80% of blindness was avoidable. Between July 2018 and April 2019, we completed a nationally-representative follow up survey in oPt using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology including the optional modules. We tested distance visual acuity (presenting and pinhole) using a bespoke mobile data collection application. 4223 Palestinians aged 50 years and above were enumerated, of whom 3847 participated (response rate 91.1%). Prevalence of any vision impairment (presenting vision impairment